telemedicine

American  

[tel-uh-med-uh-sin, -med-sin] / ˈtɛl əˌmɛd ə sɪn, -ˌmɛd sɪn /

noun

1. the part of the telehealth system that uses internet and telecommunications technology, as video calls, to provide clinical services, as medical consultation, evaluation, and diagnosis, either in real time when the patient and the medical professional are in different locations or facilitated by remote monitoring and record sharing among healthcare providers.

   Rural patients may find that the only way for them to see a specialist is via telemedicine.

2. (loosely) telehealth.

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telemedicine British  

/ ˈtɛlɪˌmɛdɪsɪn, -ˌmɛdsɪn /

noun

1. the treatment of disease or injury by consultation with a specialist in a distant place, esp by means of a computer or satellite link

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Etymology

Origin of telemedicine

First recorded in 1965–70; tele- ¹ + medicine

Example Sentences

They’ll ask for more in-home diagnosis and treatment, telemedicine, wearable devices, support for caregivers and breakthroughs to prevent dementia and cognitive decline.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

"The moratorium applies to everything that is digital. It goes far beyond digital books and music. It also includes, for example, security updates, online courses, telemedicine," she added.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

“Without congressional action to reinstate telemedicine flexibilities, both beneficiaries and providers will continue to face disruptions in access to care, loss of critical services and wasted investments in telehealth infrastructure.”

From MarketWatch • Jan. 24, 2026

Concurrent with the order, VA Secretary Doug Collins issued a statement promising to improve healthcare through shorter wait times, extended hours and more telemedicine.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2025

Last April, Costco made headlines when it introduced its brand-new weight loss program, which was launched in partnership with the online telemedicine platform Sesame.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2025